Agriculture: Financial Viability

Lord Rotherwick: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will commission research into the financial viability of farming over the next five years.

Lord Rooker: There are no plans to conduct specific research into the financial viability of farming over the next five years.
	As stated in the Answer given by my predecessor, the Lord Bach (Official Report, 14 February 2006, col. WA 143) the department prepares projections of total income from farming in the United Kingdom, which looks ahead five years.
	The latest projections, including forecasts of TIFF up to and including 2010, were published in March 2006 in Agriculture in the United Kingdom, 2005. This publication can be found at http://statistics.defra.gov.uk/esg/public ations/auk/2005/Chapter2.pdf.
	The Government have set out their commitment to encouraging the long-term economic sustainability of farming in their Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food.

Airbus

Lord Dykes: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will take steps to ensure that any corporate sale of the United Kingdom component of Airbus Industries Toulouse production assets will enhance United Kingdom interests.

Lord Sainsbury of Turville: The Government greatly value Airbus, which employs 13,000 highly skilled people in the UK.
	BAES has announced its intention to sell its share in Airbus to Airbus's majority shareholder, European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS); this sale is now in negotiation. EADS is fully aware of the UK's contribution to Airbus and of the strategic value of airbus to the UK economy. EADS has frequently indicated to us that Airbus UK is a key part of the company overall, and that their intention is to develop and grow the capability here. We do not expect that to change.
	In addition, at the time of forming the Airbus single corporate entity in 2001, BAE Systems and EADS put in place a mechanism to safeguard UK jobs and work at the request of the Government. On the sale of BAES' interest in Airbus, these safeguards transfer to the Government.
	The Government will continue to have strong links with EADS and Airbus UK.

Armed Forces: Helicopters

Lord Rotherwick: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether all helicopters in Iraq belonging to Her Majesty's Armed Forces are fitted with a standard defensive aids suite; and
	Whether the Lynx Mark 7 helicopter that came down in Basra city on 6 May had a complete defensive aids suite fitted; and whether any part of this suite had been removed.

Lord Drayson: All helicopters in Iraq are fitted with appropriate defensive aid suites, including the Lynx Mark 7 helicopter that crashed in Basra City on Saturday 6 May 2006. To provide greater detail about the defensive aids fitted to our helicopters would be likely to prejudice the security of our personnel.

Armed Forces: Helicopters

Lord Astor of Hever: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What consideration they have given to the relative cost, time delays and general effectiveness of bringing stored helicopters back into service compared with the procurement of new helicopters.

Lord Drayson: We are presently exploring how best to meet our future helicopter requirements. This process includes considering the balance between investing in new aircraft or sustaining and enhancing our existing fleets. Investment in the helicopters we own today is therefore only one option of several being considered. Any decision will be based on the relative cost, schedule, performance and risk of the relevant options.

Armed Forces: Helicopters

Lord Marlesford: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Why the eight Chinook helicopters, which were delivered to the Ministry of Defence in January 2002, could not be brought into use; what was the total cost of the helicopters; and when they expect to announce the future of these aircraft.

Lord Drayson: The eight Chinook Mark 3 helicopters could not be used due to airworthiness and capability shortfalls. These problems were examined by the National Audit Office and Public Accounts Committee in 2004. The total project cost was £252 million pounds. The Ministry of Defence is currently considering options for these aircraft. The outcome will be announced when this work is completed.

Armed Forces: Joint Strike Fighter

Lord Astor of Hever: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What action they plan to take to ensure that British companies responsible for building the Joint Strike Fighter airframes receive full co-operation, in terms of the transfer of technical information, from United States companies involved in the design and manufacture of the aircraft.

Lord Drayson: Regular discussions take place at all levels with the US Administration on all aspects of the Joint Strike Fighter programme. The UK has identified in detail the specific aspects of the government-to-government technology transfers it must have to ensure the future operational sovereignty of the Joint Strike Fighter when operated by the RAF and Royal Navy.

Armed Forces: Vehicles

Earl Attlee: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What is their estimate of the number of Ministry of Defence soft-skinned vehicles below the 4 tonne class operating in (a) the Iraq theatre of operations; and (b) the Afghanistan theatre of operations; and
	What is their estimate of the number of Ministry of Defence tracked armoured vehicles under 11 tonnes weight operating in Iraq; and
	What is their estimate of the number of Ministry of Defence tracked armoured vehicles between 11 and 16 tonnes weight operating in Iraq; and
	What is their estimate of the number of Ministry of Defence tracked armoured vehicles between 16 and 28 tonnes weight operating in Iraq; and
	What is their estimate of the number of Ministry of Defence wheeled armoured vehicles over about 5 tonnes weight operating in Iraq; and
	What is their estimate of the number of Ministry of Defence tracked armoured vehicles under about 5 tonnes weight operating in Iraq.

Lord Drayson: I am withholding this information, as its disclosure would reveal the strength and capability of UK forces operating in theatre, which could have a bearing on our operational security, thereby placing our service men and women in additional unnecessary danger.

Asylum Seekers: Mental Health

Lord Ouseley: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many complaints were made during 2003 to 2005 about the receipt of appropriate treatment for mental health illnesses of detained asylum seekers.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: During the period 2003-05, four complaints were made about the receipt of appropriate treatment for mental health illnesses of detained asylum seekers. Two of these were at Dover Immigration Removal Centre in 2003 and related to the delay in being able to see a psychiatrist or mental health nurse. Complaints about the medical treatment, including the treatment of mental health problems, of two detainees at Yarl's Wood were received in 2005. At IND's request, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons subsequently carried out a review of healthcare provision at Yarl's Wood with particular reference to the support and treatment of detainees with mental and traumatic stress disorders. This was conducted in February and her report of this review is expected imminently.

Beaches

Lord Fearn: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many beaches in England received a blue flag denoting a clean beach in 2006; and
	How many beaches in north-west England received a blue flag denoting a clean beach in 2006.

Lord Rooker: Seventy-seven beaches in England have been awarded a blue flag in 2006. One beach in north-west England, Ainsdale, received a blue flag this year.
	The full list of the beaches in England and Wales awarded blue flags in 2006 can be seen at www. encams.org/home/blueflag2006.asp.

Benefits: Sickness and Disability

Lord Marlesford: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many United Kingdom citizens were receiving long-term sickness or disability benefit at the start of each of the last five calendar years.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: Information is not available in the format requested. Data are produced quarterly in February, May, August and November each year; the available information on those claiming each benefit for a year or more, as at February each year, is in the table.
	
		Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance, Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance claimants whose claim has lasted a year or more, in Great Britain; at February each year
		
			  Incapacity Benefit and Severe Disablement Allowance Disability Living Allowance Attendance Allowance 
			 2001 2,286,120 1,825,800 1,167,000 
			 2002 2,321,450 1,914,600 1,197,900 
			 2003 2,327,610 2,281,300 1,244,440 
			 2004 2,364,530 2,400,860 1,268,160 
			 2005 2,366,640 2,503,890 1,317,930 
		
	
	1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.
	2. Claimants may be in receipt of more than one of these benefits, and will be included in the figures for each benefit.
	3. No new Severe Disablement Allowance claims have been accepted since 6 April 2001.
	4. Incapacity Benefit figures include those in receipt of National Insurance credits only.
	5. Disability Living Allowance figures exclude claimants who are entitled but whose payment has been suspended.
	6. Attendance Allowance figures include claimants who are entitled but whose payment has been suspended.
	Source: DWP Information Directorate: Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study.

Blasphemy

Lord Stoddart of Swindon: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 28 March (WA 104), whether they have received any further representations from the Turkish Government regarding the extension of the blasphemy laws to the Islamic religion; and, if so, what has been their response.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: The Government have received no representations from the Turkish Government.

Bovine Tuberculosis and Badgers

Lord Hylton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they have assessed the experience of the Republic of Ireland in controlling badgers and eradicating bovine tuberculosis; and, if so, what conclusions they draw from such assessment.

Lord Rooker: The results of the Irish four-area badger culling trial were published in Preventive Veterinary Medicine in January 2005. The authors reported a 60 to 90 per cent reduction in the rate at which herds were becoming subject to confirmed restrictions. The total number of herd restrictions in the removal areas for the study period was almost 58 per cent. lower than in the reference area. Therefore, the study showed that badger removal can be effective in reducing the incidence of bovine tuberculosis. However, caution needs to be exercised in directly applying these results to England due to differences in badger densities, ecology and cattle husbandry techniques.
	The results from the Republic of Ireland will be considered alongside other evidence when making a decision on badger culling in England.

British Council

Lord Kilclooney: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Where British Council operations were closed in 2004, 2005 and 2006 to date.

Lord Triesman: British Council offices were closed in the following countries and cities:
	Overseas network
	Brunei (2005)
	Kyoto, Japan (2005)
	Bamenda, Cameroon (2005)
	Kisumu, Kenya (2005)
	Pretoria, South Africa (2006)
	UK Regional network
	Glasgow (2004)
	Southampton (2004)
	Brighton (2005)

British Council

Lord Kilclooney: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Where new British Council operations were opened in 2004, 2005 and 2006 to date.

Lord Triesman: British Council offices were re-opened in the following countries:
	Afghanistan (2004)
	Iraq (2004)
	Subsidiary offices were opened in:
	Astana, Kazakhstan (2004)
	Volgograd, Russia (2005)
	Omsk, Russia (2005)

Burma: Karen

Lord Alton of Liverpool: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What representations they have made to the Government of Burma about the escalating violence in the Karen state; and what assessment they have made of the number of fatalities and injuries.

Lord Triesman: I refer the noble Lord to the Answer my right honourable friend the Minister of State for Trade, Investment and Foreign Affairs, Ian McCartney, gave on 16 May (Official Report, Commons; col. 893W) and the answer my right honourable friend the Minister for Europe, Geoff Hoon, gave on 23 May (Official Report, Commons; cols. 1626-1627W) in another place.
	Given the restrictions on access to the conflict areas, there is no accurate estimate of the number of fatalities or injuries. Our embassies in Rangoon and Bangkok continue to monitor the situation.

Business Link

Lord Smith of Leigh: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether Business Link should be best organised at the regional or sub-regional level to have the maximum contact with the business community.

Lord Sainsbury of Turville: Since April 2005 the regional and local delivery of Business Link has been transferred to the regional development agencies (RDAs). They are currently developing their preferred operating models for re-contracting the delivery of the service from April 2007. Some RDAs will move to a single regional contract, others to a sub-regional model. All RDAs are clear that local contact with the business community and local delivery of services is vital to the continuing success and development of Business Link. Each RDA is developing its operational strategy to ensure that local contact with the business community and service delivery is retained and enhanced. The nature of the contractual model should make no difference to the level of contact achieved.

Car Industry: CARS21 Group

Lord Berkeley: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What is the official status of the report of the CARS21 group; and whether they intend that the report should be subject to parliamentary debate.

Lord Sainsbury of Turville: The final report of the CARS21 high-level group was published in December 2005. The report summarises the work of the CARS21 group and outlines its conclusions.
	The UK was an active participant in the CARS21 process and is committed to putting its recommendations into practice. The remit of the CARS21 group was to make recommendations designed to ensure the appropriate balance is struck between competitiveness, environmental and social issues during the development of EU policy and regulation affecting the automotive industry in Europe. The Government support the report's recommendations, which are entirely consistent with government policy, notably the better regulation agenda. It is not intended by the group that the report should be subject to parliamentary debate.

Carbon Emissions

Lord Dykes: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What principal proposals they expect to table with the European Union Commission in respect of phase two of the carbon pollution permit scheme from 2008 onwards; and whether such proposals will include broad reductions for the number of permits for member states.

Lord Rooker: Our proposals for phase two are set out in the UK Draft National Allocation Plan which was published for public consultation in March. The EU emissions trading scheme directive states that the phase two national allocation plan (NAP) should be submitted to the Commission by 30 June and the final allocation decision by 31 December 2006.
	This is a challenging deadline and in order to learn lessons from phase one and to expand the scheme to cover the activities set out in the revised Commission guidance, the UK Government recognise that it will not be possible to collect and process the data in time to meet the first of these deadlines. The Government are however aiming to submit our NAP as soon as possible after the June deadline and to submit our final allocation decision by 31 December 2006.
	We are looking to the Commission to provide robust, transparent scrutiny of phase two plans to ensure the EU meets its Kyoto targets.

Chevening Scholarships

Viscount Montgomery of Alamein: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many Chevening scholars came from Latin America in each of the years from 1995 to 2005; and from which countries.

Lord Triesman: A full breakdown of the number of Chevening scholars who came from Latin American countries between 1995 and 2005 is attached. The percentage of total annual Chevening awards going to scholars from Latin America has gone from 13.8 per cent to 10.6 per cent between 2000 and 2005, in line with the changing global pattern of scholarships and to fund the introduction of the new professional Chevening Fellowship scheme. Mexico and Brazil currently receive the fourth and sixth highest number of Chevening scholarships respectively in the world.
	
		Chevening Awards: Latin America 1995 to 2005
		
			 Country 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-2000 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 
			 Argentina 34 29 23 25 25 31 28 25 23 17 
			 Belize 4 3 3 5 5 4 6 5 3 3 
			 Bolivia 7 6 3 4 7  5 5 6 7 
			 Brazil 75 71 66 85 65 84 87 65 72 63 
			 Chile 7 11 9 10 12 13 18 16 13 13 
			 Colombia 20 12 14 15 16 20 17 13 20 18 
			 Costa Rica 6 8 8 5 3 3 3 3 4  
			 Cuba 5 4 4 6 5 5 4 4 3 4 
			 Dominican Republic of Haiti 10 6 5 8 9 8 8 7 8 5 
			 Ecuador 4 4 4 3 3 5 4 5 2 2 
			 El Salvador 2 2 3 0 4 2 2 2 0 1 
			 Guatemala 0 0 3 2 3 4 2 3 3 5 
			 Guyana 2 4 4 4 5 6 4 7 6 10 
			 Honduras 0 0 1 0 0 0  1 1 0 
			 Mexico 109 83 79 68 77 81 77 67 68 56 
			 Nicaragua 2 1  2 1 3 2 2 2 2 
			 Panama 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 2 1 1 
			 Paraguay 3 2 2 3 3 3 2 3 4 2 
			 Peru 13 8 11 8 7 9 8 9 7 6 
			 Uruguay 8 7 4 4 4 7 8 7 5 5 
			 Venezuela 34 25 18 18 19 22 18 16 21 12 
			 Totals 345 286 265 323 270 315 304 266 271 233

Chevening Scholarships

Viscount Montgomery of Alamein: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they have supported any schemes other than Chevening for bringing Latin American students to the United Kingdom for postgraduate courses.

Lord Adonis: There are no government scholarship schemes aimed specifically at Latin American students. However, the Department for Education and Skills funds the Overseas Research Students Awards Scheme (ORSAS) which provides grants to postgraduate students undertaking research at UK institutions. As with the Chevening scholarships scheme, ORSAS grants are available to students from anywhere in the world and are awarded on the basis of merit.

Common Agricultural Policy: Single Farm Payment

Baroness Byford: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they have applied to the European Commission to extend the Single Farm Payment deadline; and, if so, when that approach was made.

Lord Rooker: For the reasons explained by my noble friend Lord Bach in his written response to the noble Baroness on 2 May (Official Report, col. WA 49-50), a request to extend the EU regulatory payment window was made to the European Commission on 12 April 2006.

Diabetes: Blood Glucose Testing Products

Lord Harrison: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What measures they intend to take to ensure that the current availability of blood glucose testing products and support services to diabetes patients will not be restricted if the 15 per cent. price cuts proposed in the consultation Arrangements for the Provision of Dressings Reagents to Primary Care, published on 8 May, are implemented as planned on 1 August 2006.

Lord Warner: There is a consultation open at present that seeks views on the potential reduction in the drug tariff reimbursement price for some reagents.
	Until responses to this consultation have been received, the Department of Health will not be in a position to evaluate the likely impact, if any, of these reductions and any mitigating action.
	The consultation makes no reference to any change to support services. The arrangements under Part IX of the drug tariff relate simply to the item price.

East Timor: Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation

Lord Avebury: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What has been their response to the recommendations addressed to the United Kingdom by the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation in East Timor.

Lord Triesman: I refer the noble Lord to the Answer given to him by my noble friend Lady Royall of Blaisdon on 26 April (Official Report, cols. WA 35-36).

Embassies

Lord Kilclooney: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Which British embassies were closed in 2004; 2005; and 2006 to date.

Lord Triesman: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) continues to realign its resources flexibly in line with UK interests.
	The FCO closed two embassies in 2004, and two embassies and four high commissions in 2005. One high commission has been closed to date in 2006. Operations in our embassy in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire have remained suspended since 1 April 2005. This is due to the uncertain security situation there. The following table sets out these details.
	
		
			 Year British Embassy/High Commission Closed 
			 2004 Tegucigalpa, Honduras 
			  Managua, Nicaragua 
			 2005 Nassau*, Bahamas 
			  Asuncion, Paraguay 
			  Antananarivo, Madagascar 
			  Maseru*, Lesotho 
			  Mbabane*, Swaziland 
			  Port Vila*, Vanuatu 
			 2006 Nuku'alofa*, Tonga 
		
	
	* Denotes High Commissions
	All the missions closed during 2005 and 2006 were implemented as part of the changes to the UK's overseas diplomatic network, as announced by my right honourable friend the then Foreign Secretary (Jack Straw) in a Written Ministerial Statement published on 15 December 2004 (Official Report, House of Commons, cols. 137-40WS).

Embassies

Lord Kilclooney: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Which new British embassies were opened in 2004, 2005, and 2006 to date.

Lord Triesman: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) opened one embassy in 2004, our embassy in Baghdad. No embassies or high commissions were opened in 2005, or 2006 to date. The FCO continues to realign its resources flexibly in line with UK interests.

EU: Constitutional Treaty

Lord Kilclooney: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Who will represent the United Kingdom at the conference of European Union Foreign Ministers on 27 May hosted by the Austrian presidency of the European Union to consider the revival of the European Constitution; and what will be the position of the United Kingdom at that meeting.

Lord Triesman: My right honourable friend the Minister for Europe, Geoff Hoon, and Sir John Grant, our Permanent Representative to the EU, represented the United Kingdom at the informal meeting of Foreign Ministers hosted by the Austrian presidency.
	The meeting was an opportunity for an informal, wide-ranging discussion on the way forward ahead of the June European Council.
	The Government believe that the immediate priority for the EU should be to make concrete progress on delivering the initiatives agreed at the Hampton Court summit. As my right honourable friend the Prime Minister has made clear, we need to make progress on issues of real importance to citizens rather than making institutional debates the focus of our activities.

EU: European Parliament

Lord Hanningfield: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What are the costs incurred by the British delegation to the European Parliament during each move of that Parliament from Brussels to Strasbourg, including travel, accommodation, subsistence, office facilities and other expenses.

Lord Triesman: The total cost of the European Parliament dividing its work between Brussels and Strasbourg is estimated at over €200 million per year. This includes the rental cost of the European Parliament buildings in Strasbourg. The European Parliament Budget Committee, which scrutinises the European Parliament's accounts, does not break this figure down by national delegation, so precise costs incurred by British Members of the European Parliament are not available.

Fishing: Salmon

Lord Maginnis of Drumglass: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What were the total salmon catches within the European Union for the years 1961 to 1963; 1971 to 1973; 1981 to 1983; 1991 to 1993; and 2001 to 2003; what has been the percentage decline in total salmon catches over these periods; and what has been the Irish Republic's drift netting share as a percentage of the total salmon catch in each of these periods.

Lord Rooker: The total nominal catches of Atlantic salmon (in tonnes round fresh weight, which is the weight of the fish before being gutted or frozen) for current EU member states are provided in the table below for the periods 1961 to 1963, 1971 to 1973, 1981 to 1983, 1991 to 1993 and 2001 to 2003. In comparison with the 1961 to 1963 period, catches were 26 per cent higher in 1971 to 1973, but lower by 12 per cent, 56 per cent and 64 per cent in the successive three-year periods. The catch taken by drift nets in the Irish Republic represented 6.8 per cent of the total "EU" catch in the period 1961 to 1963, increasing to 23.6 per cent, 27.5 per cent, 24.3 per cent and 39.9 per cent in the subsequent three-year periods.
	
		
			 Period "EU" nominal catch (t) % change on 1961-63 % Irish drift of "EU" total 
			 1961-63 10,107 - 6.8 
			 1971-73 12,738 +26 23.6 
			 1981-83 8,857 -12 27.5 
			 1991-93 4,493 -56 24.3 
			 2001-03 3,683 -64 39.9

Fishing: Salmon

Lord Maginnis of Drumglass: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Bach on 10 February (WA 125), whether they have made representations to the Government of the Irish Republic on the obligations under the European Union habitats directive and the United Nations Law of the Sea in respect of drift netting of north Atlantic salmon; and what were the results of those representations.

Lord Rooker: Her Majesty's Government have not made representations to the Irish Government regarding their obligations under the EC habitats directive nor their obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
	Her Majesty's Government take the view that resolution of this issue should properly be dealt with in an EU context rather than through a larger international forum. In this regard we note that the European Commission has issued a letter of formal complaint to the Irish Government about the effects of drift netting on the conservation status of salmon. This is the first step towards a possible action in the European Court of Justice against Ireland in respect of its failure to meet obligations towards salmon under the EC habitats directive. Unless and until the Commission formally institutes such action, its case against the Irish Government is not a matter of public record, nor is the UK Government given the opportunity to comment.

Football: World Cup 2006

Lord Ouseley: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will provide any advice to black and ethnic minority football fans who intend to travel to Germany to support the England football team in the 2006 World Cup.

Lord Triesman: Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice is designed to help British travellers to make informed decisions about travelling abroad, and to avoid trouble by providing information on threats to personal safety. It is based on objective assessments of the risks to British nationals. We are aware of reports that some concerns have been expressed over the safety of black and ethnic minority football fans who travel to Germany for the FIFA World Cup. A change to the travel advice for British football supporters travelling to Germany during this period is being prepared.

Government: Official Residences

Lord Hanningfield: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What plans there are for the Minister for Europe, Mr Geoff Hoon, to vacate the Government-owned residence he currently occupies; and what was the running cost for the residence in the last year for which figures are available.

Lord Triesman: My right honourable friend the Minister for Europe will be vacating his Government-owned residence as soon as arrangements can be made. The running costs charged for this residence in financial year 2005-06 were as follows:
	Rent: £59,016
	Service charge: £83,152
	Total: £142,168

Government: Official Residences

Lord Hanningfield: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Which (a) officials, and (b) former officials of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office currently have the use of a residence owned or financed by the Government excluding overseas missions; and, in each case, what is (i) the title of the official in residence, serving or retired; and (ii) the annual running cost of the residence.

Lord Triesman: No officials or former officials of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have the use of a residence owned or financed by the Government, excluding overseas missions.

Government: Official Residences

Lord Hanningfield: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Which (a) officials, and (b) former officials of the Department for Health currently have the use of a residence owned or financed by the Government; and, in each case, what is (i) the title of the official in residence, serving or retired; and (ii) the annual running cost of the residence.

Lord Warner: The Department of Health has no officials or former officials having use of a residence owned or financed by the Government.

Health: Imported Animals

Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What estimate they have made of the potential for third countries to check birds for diseases before they are imported into the United Kingdom; and whether this information will be used to limit imports from countries that do not meet certain criteria.

Lord Rooker: Live animals or animal products imported into the European Union (EU) may only originate from a third country approved by the European Commission. Approval is considered on a country by country basis after certain criteria have been met. These include:
	the state of health of the livestock, other domestic animals and wildlife in the third country, particular attention being paid to exotic animal diseases and to the environmental health situation in that country;
	the country's rules and policies relating to imports of live animals and related products;
	the country's measures to control and prevent the spread of animal disease.
	Live animals and animal products imported into the EU from third countries must be accompanied by health certification signed by an official veterinarian in the country of export.
	All live animals arriving from countries outside the EU must undergo further checks at approved border inspection posts by a certified EU veterinarian.

Health: Zoonoses

Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many zoonoses contractible from (a) birds; (b) fish; and (c) reptiles commonly occur in the United Kingdom; and how many they estimate are unidentified or commonly go unrecognised.

Lord Rooker: Information on zoonoses commonly found in the United Kingdom is published annually in the UK Zoonoses Report. This is available on the Defra website at www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/zoonoses/reports.htm.
	Zoonoses which commonly occur in the UK and which may be transmitted from birds to man include campylobacteriosis, salmonellosis and psittacosis. Salmonellosis can be transmitted from reptiles to man. Salmonellosis, anisakiasis and mycobacteriosis are capable of transmission between fish and man.
	We do not hold information on zoonoses that are unidentified or commonly go unrecognised. However, as noted in the UK Zoonoses Report 2004, there is known to be under-ascertainment of infectious intestinal disease (IID), and the true population burden is greater than that suggested by national surveillance. IID may be caused by a number of agents including campylobacter and salmonella. It is also estimated that for every report to national surveillance for salmonella spp. (from all sources), there are approximately three cases in the community. In addition, the ratio of infection in the community to reports to national surveillance for campylobacter spp. (from all sources) is approximately eight to one.
	The Human Animals Infections and Risks Surveillance Group, which includes membership from the Health Protection Agency, the Department of Health, the Food Standards Agency, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the devolved Administrations, meets on a monthly basis to consider trends in known zoonoses and new infections, and to assess any risk posed to public health.

Immigration: Afghan Hijackers

Lord Monson: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether the Afghan hijackers who have been given leave to remain in the United Kingdom will now be entitled to acquire (a) British citizenship; and (b) full voting rights in general, local and European elections; and, if so, when.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: The Afghan hijackers are not entitled to acquire either British citizenship or full voting rights in the UK. They have only limited leave and no entitlement or expectation of obtaining settlement in the UK. Without settlement, a person cannot become naturalised as a British citizen.

InterTradeIreland

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What is the religious background of InterTradeIreland employees in each grade.

Lord Rooker: At 1 May 2006, the religious background of InterTradeIreland employees, identified from monitoring returns, in each grade is as follows:
	
		
			 Grade Number in Grade Religious Background 
			 Chief Executive 1 Roman Catholic 
			 Director 3 3 Roman Catholic 
			 Manager 20 16 Roman Catholic 
			   4 Protestant 
			 Executive 9 8 Roman Catholic 
			   1 Protestant 
			 Administrative Support 5 3 Roman Catholic 
			   1 Protestant 
			   1 Non-determined

InterTradeIreland

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they are taking any steps in connection with the balance of the religious background of InterTradeIreland employees.

Lord Rooker: InterTradeIreland is implementing a number of affirmative action measures in an effort to improve on the number of employees from the Protestant community. These measures include (i) the placement of job advertisements in newspapers favoured by the Protestant community; (ii) the inclusion of a statement in job advertisements specifically welcoming applications from that community; and (iii) the circulation of job vacancies throughout job clubs and community organisations.

InterTradeIreland

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many of the employees in InterTradeIreland were seconded from other departments; how many were recruited externally; and whether those positions were advertised.

Lord Rooker: At 1 May 2006, InterTradeIreland employed 38 permanent staff. Appointments to all posts, since the date of InterTradeIreland's first permanent appointment in October 2000, were made through open competition, all of which were advertised.

Iraq: Child Malnutrition

The Earl of Sandwich: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What is their response to the UNICEF report that acute malnutrition of children under five years of age in Iraq has doubled since the time of Saddam Hussein.

Lord Triesman: Malnutrition among Iraqi children, which has been a serious concern since the early 1990s, appears to have steadily increased since the UN Children's Fund's (UNICEF) Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, undertaken in 2000. This survey reported an acute malnutrition rate of 5.9 per cent among children under five years old. The latest report on child malnutrition in Iraq is the Food Security and Vulnerability Analysis, produced by the Iraqi Central Office of Statistics and Information Technology with support from UNICEF and the World Food Programme. This survey found an acute malnutrition rate of 9 per cent among children under five years old.
	UNICEF considers that this increase in malnutrition is the result of a range of factors. These include the lingering effects of war and sanctions in the 1990s, plus ongoing conflict and insecurity.
	To tackle levels of acute malnutrition, the Iraqi Government need to ensure that adequate supplies of food reach the poorest families, while also working to tackle poverty and ensure a more equitable distribution of wealth in the long term. The Department for International Development (DfID) helped to ensure that Iraq's public distribution system (PDS) for food was re-established quickly after the conflict in 2003. DfID is now supporting the Iraqi Government to develop economic policies:
	to protect the poorest in Iraq who are dependent on the PDS, by designing safety-net support programmes targeted at those who really need state assistance;
	at the same time, to reduce the economic distortions created by distributing food, virtually free, to the entire population. Reform of the subsidy system will help to encourage economic growth and job creation, so that more Iraqi families can buy their own food.

Iraq: Civilian Casualties

Lord Dykes: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will seek permission from the Government of Iraq to establish a programme of United Kingdom Government official visits to Iraqi citizens injured in Iraqi hospitals following the recent attacks with a view to explaining the reasons for the continuing coalition military presence in Iraq.

Lord Triesman: We condemn those who have carried out the recent bombings in Iraq, in which many innocent civilians have suffered.
	As my right honourable friend the Prime Minister made clear on his 22 May visit to Baghdad, the continuing coalition military presence in Iraq is at the request of the Iraqi Government. Multi-national forces will progressively transfer responsibility for security to the Iraqi security forces, as their capability and capacity grows.
	The Iraqi people now have a Government directly elected by 12 million voters. Tackling the security situation is at the top of the new Government's agenda. They will have our full support.

Iraq: Military Casualties

Lord Hanningfield: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What financial compensation has been awarded to the next of kin of (a) each British service personnel, and (b) each Commonwealth personnel serving in the British Armed Forces, killed by hostile action while on active service in the current conflict in Iraq.

Lord Drayson: Financial compensation paid to the dependants of members of the British Armed Forces whose death is a result of service in the current conflict in Iraq is covered by a number of schemes. Similar benefits are paid to the next of kin of British or Commonwealth personnel.
	Where the death was caused on or after 6 April 2005 compensation is paid under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme; before 6 April 2005 under the Armed Forces Pension Scheme 1975 and the War Pensions Scheme. In addition, dependants may receive appropriate pension entitlement under the relevant Armed Forces Pension Scheme.
	I am unable to provide details of the individual awards paid to dependants of those killed in service in Iraq as they are of a private and personal nature and subject to the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998.
	Copies of the scheme booklets that cover the range of benefits payable in detail are available in the Library of the House. They are also available on www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/Issues/Pensions.
	These arrangements do not prevent the next of kin bringing separate claims for damages under common law, as my honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence and Minister for Veterans explained in his response in another place on 22 May 2006, (Official Report, cols 1331-32W).

Iraq: Sovereignty

Lord Dykes: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What date is proposed in their forecasts for when the Iraqi people will administer their own country, including police and security forces.

Lord Triesman: The Iraqi people already administer their country. Sovereignty was restored on 28 June 2004 with the transfer of power from the Coalition Provisional Authority to the Iraqi Interim Government. Following full national elections on 15 December 2005 they now have a permanent Government in place.
	The Iraqi security forces, including the Iraqi police and armed forces, are also controlled by the Iraqi Government, through the Ministries of Interior and Defence. The multi-national forces in Iraq are there at the request of the Iraqi Government. The process of transferring security responsibility to the Iraqi authorities in provinces and cities across Iraq will begin shortly. This will be a conditions-based process as set out in the 22 May joint statement by my right honourable friend the Prime Minister and the Iraqi Prime Minister. I am placing a copy of this statement in the Library of the House and will also send a copy to the noble Lord.

Iraq: Withdrawal

Lord Dykes: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they have established criteria, such as a level of military fatalities, by which a decision will be reached to withdraw United Kingdom forces from Iraq.

Lord Drayson: We will withdraw from Iraq when the conditions for handover of security to the Iraqis have been met and we, the Iraqi Government and our coalition partners are confident that the Iraqi security forces can operate without our support.
	The conditions for handover of security to the Iraqis will be based upon an assessment of the insurgents' threat level; the Iraqi security forces' ability to take on the security task; the capacity of provincial bodies to cope with the changed security environment; and the posture and support available from coalition forces.

Legislation

Lord Tebbit: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Bassam of Brighton on 26 April (WA 32) which stated that "we [the Government] have passed the new Racial and Religious Hatred Act", whether they will consider attributing the passing of legislation to the legislature rather than to the Executive.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: As the Lord Tebbit implies in this Question, it is of course the legislature that approves all legislation, and not the Government and I am glad of the opportunity he has offered me to clarify that matter for your Lordships' House.

Medicines: Animal Testing

Baroness Greenfield: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Warner on 13 March (WA 191), whether, in addition to the European requirements on medicine labelling, they are free to add a statement to medicine labels.

Lord Warner: European Union law specifies that member states may not prohibit or impede the placing on the market of medicinal products within their territory on grounds connected with labelling or the package leaflet where these comply with the requirements of EU law (directive 2001/83/EC as amended). Information about whether the medicine has been tested on animals is not required in EU law.

Murder: County Armagh

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether anyone is still wanted by the police in connection with the murder of three church elders at Darkley Church in County Armagh; and
	Whether anyone is still wanted by the police in connection with the murder of Margaret Hearst in County Armagh.

Lord Rooker: I am advised that the murders which took place at Darkley Church, and that of Margaret Hearst, come within the remit of the Historical Enquiries Team (HET) which was set up to review unresolved deaths, relating to the security situation, from 1968 to April 1998. One of the aims of the HET is to consider such cases to identify any potential investigative leads which may result in possible prosecutions. As part of the review process, the HET will liaise with the families of victims to keep them advised of progress with the aim of providing resolution, where possible, either by judicial or non-judicial means. Until such reviews commence, it is too early to comment on the strength of any investigative leads and what the outcome will be. However, I understand that in the Darkley cases no one has been made amenable to date and as such there may be outstanding suspects. In the case of Margaret Hearst, I understand that four persons have been convicted and a review of this case will determine whether or not there are any outstanding offenders in relation to this offence.

NHS: Denial of Treatment

Lord Alton of Liverpool: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	On what legal basis Mr Edward Atkinson has been told that National Health Service treatment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King's Lynn, will be denied him in the future except in life-threatening circumstances; what other categories of offender are also denied hospital treatment; and how many other prisoners in the United Kingdom have been banned from receiving healthcare in National Health Service hospitals.

Lord Warner: The guidance framework on the withholding of National Health Service treatment from violent and abusive patients was issued by the Department of Health in 2001 following on from the cross-government Zero Tolerance campaign introduced in 2000, to tackle violence in the NHS. The guidance highlighted that the withholding of NHS treatment from violent and abusive patients will always be a last resort, but should be an option available to managers and staff working in all NHS trusts, with certain exemptions including those requiring urgent medical treatment or under the age of 16. The guidance made explicit that all NHS trusts develop local policies on withholding treatment from violent and abusive patients in consultation with independent legal advice on the terms and application of such a policy; and trusts must also have in place clear defensible policies and procedures outlining the circumstances where the withholding of treatment is justifiable.
	Since then the Government created the NHS Security Management Service (NHS SMS) in April 2003. The NHS SMS has launched a comprehensive strategy, which has replaced work previously undertaken under the NHS Zero Tolerance campaign. The NHS SMS strategy places a particular emphasis on the introduction of preventive measures to stop violent incidents occurring in the first place. In 2004, the NHS SMS issued guidance covering the application of this strategy in the context of tackling the whole issue of non-physical assaults on NHS staff.

NHS: Prescription Drugs

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many people in Northern Ireland over the past five years, broken down by hospital trust, have been admitted to hospital as a result of adverse reactions to a prescription drug.

Lord Rooker: The table below details the number of admissions 1 to hospital with a primary or secondary diagnosis of adverse reactions to drugs, for each year between 2000-01 and 2004-05 (the latest year for which data are available). It should be noted that any individual could have been admitted to hospital more than once over the course of a year or over a number of years and would therefore be counted more than once in the table.
	
		
			 Trust 0405 0304 0203 0102 0001 
			 Altnagelvin 115 106 111 115 118 
			 Armagh and Dungannon <6 <6 <6 <6 15 
			 Belfast City 180 138 123 78 46, 
			 Causeway 76 68 72 93 92 
			 Craigavon Group 194 209 195 183 117 
			 Down Lisburn 167 176 173 179 137 
			 Green Park <6 <6 <6 14 46 
			 Mater Informorum 8 12 10 13 10 
			 Newry and Mourne 94 139 113 105 109 
			 Royal Group 117 126 73 227 137 
			 Sperrin Lakeland 45 43 79 47 41 
			 UC&HT 245 155 170 141 180 
			 United 404 429 395 566 459 
			 Northern Ireland 1,645 1,601 1,514 1,761 1,507 
		
	
	Source: Hospital Inpatients System.
	1 Discharges and deaths are used as an approximation to admissions.
	Please note that cell sizes that have a value of less than six have been masked in order to help protect confidentiality.

North/South Implementation Bodies

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether employees working in Northern Ireland in cross-border implementation bodies are required to register their membership of the Knights of Saint Columbanus; and, if so, how many have done so.

Lord Rooker: Northern Ireland-based employees of the north/south implementation bodies are not required to register their membership of the Knights of Saint Columbanus.

Northern Ireland Children's Hospice

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What plans they have to offer support to the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice.

Lord Rooker: The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has in the past provided support for work to develop new governance and management arrangements for the children's hospice and continues to support this charity with an annual grant of approximately £100,000.

Palestine: Banks

Lord Hylton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What steps the quartet intends to take to prevent the possible collapse of the Palestinian banking system, on which the private sector of the economy relies.

Lord Triesman: The quartet (EU, US, UN and Russia) is following the economic and humanitarian situation in the Occupied Territories closely. The banking system is one area of particular concern. The Government are following the issue closely and officials are in touch with the banks themselves and with the Palestinian Monetary Authority. We will continue to work with quartet partners to monitor and improve the economic situation in the Occupied Territories.

Parliamentary Ombudsman

Lord Lester of Herne Hill: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Bach on 9 May (WA 120), where the information is held as to occasions since 1997 when the Environment Agency has refused or omitted to give effect to the recommendations of the Parliamentary Ombudsman; and how members of the public may have access to that information; and
	Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Bach on 9 May (WA 120), whether the Environment Agency will in future hold information about its compliance with the Parliamentary Ombudsman's recommendations in a way which permits public access to that information.

Lord Rooker: The Environment Agency has confirmed that it will, in future, include a summary of compliance with the Parliamentary Ombudsman's recommendations on its website.

Peace Funding: Northern Ireland

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Rooker on 18 April (WA 197) concerning the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland's refusal to grant funding to Altnaveigh House on the grounds of reconciliation criteria, what is the foundation's definition of reconciliation; who drew up the definition; and how is its application judged; and
	Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Rooker on 19 April (WA 197) concerning funding for Altnaveigh House, in what way the application did not meet the reconciliation criteria.

Lord Rooker: The application from Altnaveigh House was assessed as not meeting the reconciliation criteria under the Peace II Programme as it was not perceived as contributing to building positive relationships with other communities. This application is currently going through a review process and it would be inappropriate to comment on the outcome of the application until that review process is complete. I will write to the noble Lord regarding the outcome of the application once the process is complete, which is expected to be in late May.
	I can advise that further to my Answers of 18 April (WA 197) the definition of reconciliation used by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland is as stated in the Peace II Programme Guidance and is based on Brandon Hamber and Grainne Kelly's 2004 publication A Working Definition of Reconciliation. This has five strands:
	building positive relationships;
	acknowledging and dealing with the past;
	developing a shared vision of an interdependent and fair society;
	significant cultural and attitudinal change; and
	substantial social and economic and political change.
	Each application is judged by a selection panel and if the eligibility criteria are met, it will then be scored against the standard scoring matrix. On the reconciliation criterion, each application must satisfy the first strand and at least two further strands contained in the definition.

Peace Funding: Northern Ireland

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Rooker on 17 May (WA 46) concerning Peace II funding, which organisations and which projects were refused funding because they did not meet the reconciliation criteria; and what are those criteria.

Lord Rooker: The Peace II distinctiveness and reconciliation criteria ensure that only projects which pave the way to reconciliation and address the legacy of conflict or take the opportunities arising from peace are supported under the programme. To meet the distinctiveness criteria, an application must demonstrate sufficient targeting towards groups, geographical areas, and sectors/activities adversely affected by the conflict.
	A total of 962 applications to Peace II and 341 to the Peace II extension in Northern Ireland have been unsuccessful due to failure to meet the distinctiveness and/or reconciliation criteria. A list of these has been placed in the Library of the House.

Police: Harbours and Airports

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many harbour and airport police there are in Northern Ireland; and in what areas they operate.

Lord Rooker: There are currently 25 harbour police who operate within the Belfast Harbour estate. Six harbour police operate in Larne Harbour. The jurisdiction of harbour police extends to one mile beyond the boundaries of the harbour estates.
	There are currently 26 airport police employed at Belfast international airport and they operate within the boundaries of Belfast international airport.

Police: Northern Ireland

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What was the per capita cost of (a) recruitment and (b) training recruits during the last year of the Royal Ulster Constabulary.

Lord Rooker: I am advised by the Police Service of Northern Ireland that there was no recruitment in the last year of the Royal Ulster Constabulary. The final competition was administered in 1998 and as the recruitment exercise was managed "in-house", it was unable to provide per capita costs.

Police: Northern Ireland

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What was the per capita cost of (a) recruitment and (b) training recruits during the past 12 months of the Police Service for Northern Ireland.

Lord Rooker: I am advised that the recruiting costs for year 2005-06 are still being processed, therefore an accurate figure cannot be presented at this time. In addition, statistics on financial spending are calculated on a financial-year basis; that is, 1 April to 31 March.
	The per capita cost of (a) recruiting trainees for the financial year 2004-05 was £9,551.77. There were 531 police officers recruited out of a total of 11,801 applicants.
	The per capita cost of (b) training recruits for the financial year 2005-06 was £7,525.18. There were 10 training courses with a total cost of £3,311,081.15. Each course had 44 students with a course duration of 105 days.

Police: Northern Ireland

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How much has been spent on training part-time police officers in Northern Ireland over the past 12 months.

Lord Rooker: The Police Service of Northern Ireland has advised me that the estimated costs incurred in training part-time police officers from April 2005 to March 2006 were £558,633.
	The training was completed by year-end.

Police: Prosecutions of Officers

Lord Maginnis of Drumglass: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many prosecutions against serving or retired police officers recommended by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland have been tried by a jury since 1 January 2005; and what has been the verdict in each concluded case.

Lord Rooker: The Police Ombudsman's office has advised that since 1 January 2005 there have been three such cases, all of which resulted in acquittal.

Police: Reorganisation

Lord Hanningfield: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What advice, guidance or other material has been drawn up by the Home Office regarding the possibility of a legal challenge to the Secretary of State for the Home Department's plans for police force restructuring in England and Wales; and whether they will place a copy of any such advice in the Library of the House.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: The Home Office will take advice from departmental lawyers and Treasury solicitors in the normal way in the event that any legal challenges are mounted against the Home Secretary's plans for police force restructuring. Such advice will not be placed in the Library of the House as it is subject to legal professional privilege.

Police: Reorganisation

Lord Hanningfield: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will place in the Library of the House a copy of each letter or other form of correspondence received by the Home Office regarding its plans for police force restructuring in England and Wales from (a) each chief constable or police force; (b) each local authority; and (c) each police authority in those areas affected.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: No, as to do so would incur disproportionate costs.

Police: Reorganisation

Lord Hanningfield: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether officials or Ministers within the Home Office have had contact with officials or Ministers within the Law Officers' Department regarding a possible legal challenge to their plans for police force restructuring in England and Wales.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: It is not the practice of the Government to comment on whether advice has been sought from the Law Officers on any particular issue or on the nature of any such advice.

Police: Reorganisation

Lord Hanningfield: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What representations, written or otherwise, the Home Office received from the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police regarding its plans for police force restructuring in England and Wales; and whether they will place a copy of any such representations in the Library of the House.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: The Metropolitan Police Service submission sent to the Home Office set out options for the policing of London. It is not normal practice to place copies of such submissions to Ministers in the House Library.

Police: Reorganisation

Lord Hanningfield: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether external consultants are currently advising or working on the Home Office proposals for police force restructuring in England and Wales; and, if so, what work is being undertaken together with the estimated timescale and cost.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: Consultants have been employed to assist in the assessment of the financial case for change. Due to the ongoing nature of this work, some consultants are still working on the project. Up to the end of March 2006, consultancy support has cost £656,864.

Prisoners: Bail

Lord Hayhoe: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What is the average delay when bail conditions have been met before a prisoner is released from prison; and whether there are any rules governing this matter.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: Information on the period of delay between notification that bail conditions have been met and the time of release of the prisoner is not collected centrally and could not be provided except at disproportionate cost. However, it is normal practice for prisons to release a prisoner on the day of notification unless the notification is received very late in the day. When notified of a bail decision by a court, prisons will release a prisoner held on remand as soon as possible once conditions, if any, have been met and checks have been made that there are no other outstanding warrants applying to the prisoner. Prisons and courts have arrangements in place to allow governors to receive recognisances and sureties in respect of defendants remanded in custody and to ensure that governors are informed when such recognisances and sureties are received by others authorised to receive them. The requirement to release is set out in the Criminal Procedure Rules 2005 at paragraph 19.7. Prison Service Order 6100 sets out guidance for governors on the handling of bail issues.

Prisoners: Foreign Nationals

Lord Marlesford: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether, when non-British nationals are given custodial sentences by the British courts, the relevant United Kingdom diplomatic missions are notified.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: When a foreign national is received into prison, if they come from a country which is a signatory of a bilateral consular convention with the United Kingdom their diplomatic missions in the United Kingdom will be notified. If they are not a signatory of a bilateral consular convention, under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, prisons seek the consent of the prisoner before notification of an embassy.

Prisoners: Records

Lord Marlesford: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 16 May (WA 29), whether the prison first receiving a person sentenced to a custodial sentence is informed of any previous convictions of that person; how the last discharging prison holding the person's inmate core files is made known to the receiving prison; how much time on average elapses before any such records reach the receiving prison; and when they last monitored the efficiency and effectiveness of this system of transferring files.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: The record of any previous convictions must be included among the documentation received when a newly sentenced prisoner first enters prison and will alert prison staff to any previous custodial sentences the prisoner may have served. Staff will also question the prisoner to ascertain what establishment he or she was last discharged from, and will also confirm this from the Prison Service inmate database. When a prisoner leaves at the end of his sentence his record is held at the discharge prison. The time lapse before the records reach the receiving prison is about seven days as they are sent through the postal system. There was a proposal to hold the records in a central area, but this was rejected by the Prison Service Management Board 2000.

Prisoners: Records

Lord Marlesford: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What records accompany a person received into prison at the start of a custodial sentence; and whether these records include the full criminal record of a prisoner.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: Every prisoner entering custody must be accompanied by a valid warrant or other lawful authority for his or her detention, which confirms the prisoner's identity and the record of any previous convictions. Other documentation received with the prisoner should normally include a Prisoner Escort Record (PER) form setting out any known risks relating to him or her and any court reports prepared by the National Probation Service. If the prisoner has been identified as at risk of suicide or self-harm, a warning form alerting the receiving prison to this will also be included.

Probation

Baroness Stern: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What was the turnover of probation officers in the last year for which figures are available.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: For the 12-month period ending 31 December 2005, the turnover rate for probation officers in the National Probation Service was 7.41 per cent. This compares to a rate of 7.53 per cent for the equivalent period a year previously (12 months to 31 December 2004).

Questions for Written Answer

Lord Tebbit: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Why the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 30 January (WA 6) to the Lord Tebbit recorded in the Official Report omits a paragraph of the Answer given by letter; and how this discrepancy arose.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: The final paragraph of the Answer did not appear in the Official Report because of a Hansard processing error. The missing text is as follows:
	"This was underpinned by the Foreign Secretary to the FAC on 13 December, where he concluded that HMG are duty bound to act on intelligence offered that appeared to be credible, which could cause a terrorist outrage, regardless of the provenance of it".

Residential Homes

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many people are currently resident in the residential homes approved by the Northern Ireland Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety which (a) provide medical care; and (b) do not provide medical care.

Lord Rooker: The information requested is not collected centrally. Residential homes are not required by legislation to have nurses on duty and these homes provide medical care as and when required; initially via GPs or district nurses.

Residential Homes

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What classification the Northern Ireland Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety uses to describe the various types of residential homes; and who is responsible for ensuring the standards of care and accommodation provided.

Lord Rooker: Residential homes in Northern Ireland are defined in the Health and Personal Social Services (Quality, Improvement and Regulation (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 (the order) as follows:
	a children's home
	a nursing home
	a residential care home.
	The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority is responsible under the order for the regulation (the registration and inspection) of these homes to ensure that minimum standards of care and accommodation are provided.

Residential Homes

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Who is responsible for enforcing hygiene standards in residential homes in Northern Ireland; and what qualifications are required for those preparing food.

Lord Rooker: The information requested is not held centrally and it will take a few days to clarify precise enforcement responsibilities across agencies and departments.
	I shall write to the noble Lord as soon the information is available and place a copy in the Library.

Rural Payments Agency

Lord Jopling: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Who took the decision to dismiss the chief executive of the Rural Payments Agency in view of the statement by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 27 March (HC Deb, col. 552) that she removed the chief executive and the statement by the Lord Bach on 30 March (HL Deb, col. 919) that the Permanent Secretary took the decision.

Lord Rooker: The position is best reflected in the following extract from the Written Statement made by my right honourable friend the Member for Derby South on 16 March, which was repeated in this House by my noble friend Lord Bach (col. WS 101):
	"I have concluded that urgent action is needed to strengthen the leadership of the agency. With my approval, the Permanent Secretary of my department, Helen Ghosh, has today appointed Mark Addison as acting chief executive in place of Johnston McNeill".

Russia: Human Rights

Lord Judd: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What action they are taking to ensure that the state of human rights and the restrictions on non-governmental organisations in the Russian Federation is discussed at the forthcoming G8 meeting and summit in St Petersburg in July.

Lord Triesman: The UK has encouraged the Russian authorities to undertake a comprehensive programme of outreach to civil society organisations as part of preparations for the St Petersburg summit. Russia is taking forward dialogue with civil society organisations through a programme called Civil G8- 2006. The UK is working with G8 partners at all levels to ensure that discussions in the G8 reflect the core democratic values shared by all its members.

Schools: Out-of-classroom Education

Baroness Sharp of Guildford: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What assessment they have made of the benefits of educational field courses to the academic performance of pupils; and
	What assessment they have made of the barriers to out-of-classroom education; and what steps they are taking to overcome these barriers.

Lord Adonis: Over the past few years, the department has both commissioned and jointly funded external studies to examine the benefits and potential barriers to out-of-classroom learning. We have commissioned a survey of schools and local authorities to assess the extent of education outside the classroom, gather their views on the benefits and look at some of the barriers. The department has also recently supported an Ofsted survey of effective fieldwork practice in schools and how this supports pupils' motivation and learning in geography. The results of both surveys will be published in the autumn. As part of the emerging education-outside-the-classroom manifesto, 10 working groups of leading organisations from different out-of-classroom learning sectors (including field studies) submitted reports to the department on the benefits of out-of-classroom learning, barriers to participation and practical recommendations to remove those barriers.
	The Government already support out-of-classroom education through a number of initiatives; for example Growing Schools—supporting the use of the outdoor classroom, the Action Plan for Geography, science learning centres, New Views—the London Challenge programme providing subsidised residential experiences and museum and gallery education. Further support will be announced when the education-outside-the-classroom manifesto is launched in the near future.

Sex Offenders

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Rooker on 17 May (WA 51) concerning child sex offenders in the past few years, how many successful prosecutions of released offenders have been made for failure to notify the police of foreign travel.

Lord Rooker: There have been no prosecutions in Northern Ireland of released offenders subject to the notifications requirements of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 for failure to notify the police of foreign travel.

Social Inclusion

Lord Ouseley: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	When they expect to produce published evidence of the outcomes from, and the impact of, the measures taken since 2001 to improve social inclusion and community cohesion.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: The Home Office Autumn Performance Report 2005, published on 19 December 2005 as Cm 6707, reported progress against a public service agreement target to bring about measurable improvements in race equality and community cohesion across a range of performance indicators, as part of the Government's objectives on equality and social inclusion. The report reflects the Home Office Citizenship Survey's findings about cohesion. Results from the 2003 survey were published in December 2004 as Home Office Research Study 289; 2005 survey results will be published this June; and 2007 survey results will be published in 2008. We will publish a review of progress against Improving Opportunity, Strengthening Society, the Government's strategy to increase race equality and community cohesion, this summer.

Syria: Human Rights

Lord Alderdice: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What assessment they or the European Union have made of freedom of speech and association in Syria, which is a partner in the Barcelona process; and
	What representations they are making to the Government of Syria about encouraging freedom of speech and association in Syria to enable it to meet its obligations under the Barcelona process; and
	What steps they are taking to ensure the safety of human rights activists in Syria, in line with the shared values of the Barcelona process to which Syria is a partner; and
	What steps they are taking, in line with the Barcelona process, to deter the Syrian authorities from detaining citizens who participate in conferences related to democratic reform; and
	What is their response to reports by Amnesty International that human rights continue to be violated in Syria, a partner in the Barcelona process.

Lord Triesman: We have serious concerns about Syria's human rights record which we raise regularly both bilaterally and through the EU. With EU partners we monitor human rights cases closely, including through attendance at hearings and trials in the state security court and through contacts with the individuals, families and organisations affected. We make representations directly to the relevant authorities, which are in no doubt of our views.
	On 19 May, the EU issued a statement highlighting the recent deterioration in the human rights situation. It expressed deep concern at the recent harassment of human rights defenders, arbitrary arrests and incommunicado detention. It also urged the Syrian authorities to reconsider all cases of political prisoners and release all prisoners of conscience. The full text of the statement is available on the EU website at www.eu2006.at/en/News/CFSP—Statements/May/1905Syria.html.

Syria: Human Rights

Lord Alderdice: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What steps they are taking to encourage the release of at least 300 political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Syria, including democracy activist Kamal Labwani, in line with the Barcelona declaration.

Lord Triesman: There have been no developments in the trial of Dr Labwani, nor has the UK made any further representations to the Government of Syria since my honourable friend the Minister for the Middle East, Kim Howells, replied to a Written Question from the right honourable Sir Menzies Campbell in another place on 7 December 2005 (Official Report, House of Commons, col. 1397W). We continue to monitor developments in Dr Labwani's case closely. We make representations directly to the Syrian authorities on all aspects of human rights, including the issue of political prisoners. In its statement of 19 May, the EU called on the Syrian authorities to reconsider all cases of political prisoners and immediately release all prisoners of conscience. The full text of the statement is available on the EU website at www.eu2006.at/en/News/CFSP—Statements/May/1905Syria.html.

Terrorism: Northern Ireland

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	In how many terrorist-related murder cases in Northern Ireland since 1969 there have been no convictions or no charges; and whether suspects are still wanted in connection with these murders.

Lord Rooker: I am sure the noble Lord will understand that due to ongoing investigations, information currently held by the Historical Enquiries Team (HET) and the Central Statistics Office is not sufficient at present to provide an accurate statistical answer. However, I am advised by the HET that it intends to re-examine all deaths attributable to the security situation between 1968 and 10 April 1998. This amounts to 3,268 deaths.
	The HET aims to review 400 cases per year for the first two years of the review, and 600 cases each year for years three, four, five and six. The PSNI has designed an analytical database to capture all this information in a victim-centred way, and the needs of the families will be at the heart of its investigations. The primary objective will be to work with them to achieve a measure of resolution in these difficult cases.

Tristan da Cunha

Lord Alton of Liverpool: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What steps they are taking to collaborate with the islanders of Tristan da Cunha to establish opportunities for eco-tourism.

Lord Triesman: The size, capacity and environmental fragility of Tristan da Cunha mean that only a limited increase in the number of tourists is possible. However, we are discussing with the Island Council the potential for a modest increase in tourist numbers.

Tristan da Cunha

Lord Alton of Liverpool: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How much funding has been provided directly to Tristan da Cunha over the past five years for the development of education and training opportunities; and what steps they will take to encourage educational opportunities in the future.

Lord Triesman: During the past five financial years the Department for International Development has funded training and education on Tristan da Cunha from its technical co-operation budget. Funding has been at the following levels:
	
		
			  
			 2002-03 £25,000 
			 2003-04 £32,779 
			 2004-05 £17,600 
			 2005-06 £25,000 
			 2006-07 £35,000 
		
	
	An educational consultant will, with the encouragement of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the British Council, visit Tristan in September and examine education and training and report on how these might be improved.

Ulster-Scots

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Rooker on 3 May (WA 91) concerning the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, what plans the board has to promote Ulster-Scots culture as a selling point for the province of Ulster.

Lord Rooker: The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) views cultural tourism as a key driver for tourism growth. It works closely with Tourism Ireland Ltd (TIL) to ensure that Northern Ireland's cultural tourism product receives maximum exposure in all overseas markets.
	NITB has recently published The American Connection which tells the story of the links between Northern Ireland and North America. This is being used as a marketing tool to promote Northern Ireland, particularly in the US and GB markets.
	NITB has also supported the "On Eagle's Wing" project. TIL has undertaken Scots-Irish specific marketing activities through the EU programme for tourism support and undertaken an extensive range of activities to promote the island of Ireland to the Ulster-Scots segment in the United States.
	Both NITB and Tourism Ireland will ensure that culture, including Scots-Irish culture, will continue to form part of the marketing strategy in the USA and part of the forthcoming Smithsonian Folklife Festival in July 2007.
	NITB activity includes work on the main Smithsonian event itself, an associate programme of lectures and workshops and an ancillary programme designed to grow the economic benefits of the Smithsonian festival for Northern Ireland.

Ulster-Scots Agency

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether it is possible for cross-border implementation bodies to carry over unspent funding into the next financial year; if so, on what occasions the Ulster-Scots Agency was able to do so; how much funding the agency has carried over in each year since its creation; and whether the agency was not allowed to carry over funding on any occasions.

Lord Rooker: There is no mechanism to allow for the movement of funds in respect of north/south implementation bodies from one financial year to the next. Therefore no funds have been transferred from one financial year to the next in respect of north/south implementation bodies' budgets since the bodies were established in December 1999.

Visas: Turkish Cypriot Teachers

Lord Dubs: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will grant visas for up to six Turkish Cypriot teachers to come to Britain to teach Turkish and Turkish culture to members of their community in London.

Lord Triesman: Last year, we gave clearance for a number of Turkish Cypriot teachers to come to the UK to teach Turkish language and culture. These applications were assessed on their individual merits. Future applications will be similarly assessed. I cannot give any guarantees as to whether any visas will be issued or refused. Holders of "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" travel documents should apply for entry clearance at our visa office in Nicosia, which can issue visas to holders of such documents on a European Union uniform format form.

Waterways Ireland

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What general salary increases have been awarded to Waterways Ireland staff based in Northern Ireland in each year since and including 2001.

Lord Rooker: Staff of Waterways Ireland based in Northern Ireland are placed on either professional, technical and administrative (PTA) scales or industrial scales. Industrial staff were transferred from either the Rivers Agency or Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) on 1 April 2002 and remain on the same scales on which they were transferred.
	The salary increases awarded to each group are detailed in the following table.
	
		
			  PTA Staff Industrial Staff 
			   Rivers Agency DARD 
			 01 March 2001 2 per cent - - 
			 01 October 2001 5.50 per cent - - 
			 01 December 2001 Benchmarking 
			 Award* - - 
			 01 April 2002 Lump Sum** 3.50 per cent - 
			 01 October 2002 2.67 per cent - - 
			 01 April 2003 Award to be agreed 3.67 per cent - 
			 01 April 2004 Award to be agreed 3.49 per cent 2 per cent 
			 01 April 2005 Award to be agreed 3.49 per cent Award to 
			 be agreed 
		
	
	* Variable uplifts were agreed for all grades as part of phase 1 of the Irish Civil Service benchmarking process.
	** One-off lump sum payment of 1 per cent. of annual pay (not consolidated into pay scale).

Waterways Ireland

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What is the actual expenditure in Waterways Ireland in 2005 broken down by total spend on capital, maintenance, wages and salaries; and what is the percentage difference from the amounts allocated in the budget.

Lord Rooker: The unaudited breakdown of budget estimate and actual expenditure for Waterways Ireland in 2005 under the headings requested is:
	
		
			  Estimate Expenditure, % Difference 
			  € 000 € 000 
			 Capital** 24,850 12,501 49.7 
			 Maintenance 3,626 4,647 28.2 
			 Wages and Salaries 16,046 14,373 10.4 
		
	
	** The high percentage difference in respect of capital costs arises from the provision of €12.5 million (£9.05 million) for the proposed new headquarters of Waterways Ireland in Enniskillen. The HQ building project has suffered delay and has not yet commenced.

Waterways Ireland

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they have any plans to build a headquarters for Waterways Ireland; if so, what those plans are; when the related decisions will be taken; by whom; and on what dates.

Lord Rooker: On 13 December 1999 the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) decided that Waterways Ireland should have its headquarters in Enniskillen.
	In July 2004, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland concluded that it would be right to give effect to the NSMC decision. Waterways Ireland has contracted the central procurement directorate of the Department of Finance and Personnel to manage the procurement of a suitable new headquarters building for the organisation in Enniskillen.
	The appointment of a successful developer for the building project will follow the conclusion of the tender process which is due to be completed shortly.

Waterways Ireland

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Rooker on 17 May (WA 44) concerning the north/south implementation bodies, whether the purchase of chocolates for staff of Waterways Ireland from public funds was the subject of comment by the Northern Ireland Audit Office.

Lord Rooker: I refer the noble Lord to my Answer of 17 November 2005 (WA 174).
	This matter was not the subject of comment by the Northern Ireland Audit Office.